I still can't believe we all survived the day. I mean, i'm optimistic by nature but when I saw you stand against two dozen cannibals... You are all heroes. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
It's nothing, Sasha - I'd like to think you'd have done the same for us, if the shoe had been on the other foot. Besides, it will give Gelik an Epic to compose, right, Gelik?
"Here, Marcus, I've got one more healing spell left for the day," Ambroze says as he casts his curative magics on the brave fighter.
Tun'ada slumps against one of the ship walls, grateful for the anticipated rest, and nods in agreement with Gwen's plan.
It's nothing, Sasha - I'd like to think you'd have done the same for us, if the shoe had been on the other foot. Besides, it will give Gelik an Epic to compose, right, Gelik?
A mere epic? Nay my dear Gwenyth. This tale shall be told in Pathfinder Lodges across Avistan itself!
Resting and training with the other castaways, the group toasts their success with water and drinks to their survival. The NPC castaways are in high spirits despite their lingering wounds, and have many pointers and advice for their 'students', as well as receiving some from the rapidly-improving castaways. Marcus is paid attention in particular, even the exhausted Jask taking the time to teach Marcus his mantras; as he says, you'll never be sure when you need a keen mind as well as a keen blade. The main battle of the day is discussed in detail, and everyone finds that the near-death experiences of the past few days have honed their skills to a fine edge, be them mundane or magical.
In the evening, Gelik tells an uplifting tale of a young Pathfinder taken as a slave in Cheliax; the young lad managing to incite a successful slave rebellion even in his manacles. The derelict ship is cold and the tropical rainfall thunders against the ships hull all evening and night- but the simple warmth of good company and a feeling of euphoria at having survived the day against all odds means even Gelik is smiling and warm. Gelik gleefully boasts about his own victories in the battle against the cannibals- in particular against 'the clumsy oaf that could ne'er land a blow on one such as I' that he bested in single combat. Noticing that many of the other castaways seem to have taken students, he helps assist Ambroze in any way he can, sharing his wisdom. Unfortunately for him, despite his bluffs it becomes clear quite quickly that Ambroze is already a far greater scholar than he.
Aerys looks to have forgotten her alcohol withdrawal symptons in the intense day. Aerys seems to have found a newfound respect for Savarend and Tun'ada- having fought alongside both warriors, claws fist and feet together. She expresses admiration for Savarend's martial skills and clearly has gained a great deal of respect for the dwarf- sparring with him throughout the evening. She tentatively admires Tunda's claws, fascinated by the ranger's shapeshifting abilities.
Sasha's usual confident, optimistic self seems to have completely returned, and the warrior smiles and laughs merrily at Gelik's antics throughout the evening. She spends much of the evening sat near Marcus and she must have been worn out from the vigors of her captivity, as she ends up with her head upon Marcus's shoulder and lap for much of the evening, eyes shut and smirking at his reactions. Even her pet Dimorphodon seems to have bonded with the PC's somewhat, continually pestering each of them to play with him by nudging them with his head.
Ishorou is pleased but still sombre throughout the rest of the day, as is his way. He stands guard and keeps an eye out for predators much of the time, and spends the rest teaching Marcus his blade techniques and attempting to puzzle out the strange metal box with Chi. He treats both Marcus and Tun'ada with great respect now, especially Marcus. You suspect in his culture, he owes "Alanto-San" some kind of honor debt.
Jask does his best to remain awake and with everyone else all evening, but frequently needs to get more bed-rest. He does not complain of his wounds once and when Gwen visits him he holds her hand tightly and thanks her from the bottom of his heart for coming back for him- and for having faith in him those long, twelve days ago.
The night passes without incident, the torrential tropical rain doing wonders to keep any potential predators away from the group.
In the evening, Gelik tells an uplifting tale of a young Pathfinder taken as a slave in Cheliax; the young lad managing to incite a successful slave rebellion even in his manacles. The derelict ship is cold and the tropical rainfall thunders against the ships hull all evening and night- but the simple warmth of good company and a feeling of euphoria at having survived the day against all odds means even Gelik is smiling and warm. Gelik gleefully boasts about his own victories in the battle against the cannibals- in particular against 'the clumsy oaf that could ne'er land a blow on one such as I' that he bested in single combat. Noticing that many of the other castaways seem to have taken students, he helps assist Ambroze in any way he can, sharing his wisdom.
Ambroze listens with rapt attention as Gelik spins his tales. The worldly Pathfinder reminds Ambroze of his own Uncle Dimble, who awakened young Ambroze's wanderlust by giving him copies of several volumes of the Pathfinder Chronicles - the same volumes that rest within the small chest back at the castaways' campsite. Listening to Gelik's tales reminds Ambroze how he wishes to someday join the illustrious ranks of the Pathfinder Society, like his uncle.
Waking early as she usually does, Gwen stretches, and immediately feels a stronger bond with the divine forces that swirl around her. it is as though the dream that she had last night - of James, Flute, and numerous indigenous tribesman sitting around a campfire and chatting as though they were family - forced in her a further understanding of the brotherhood of all living things. As the others are waking, she opens herself to exploring this newfound power.
Once everyone is awake, Gwen speaks her mind on their situation.
I've been thinking, and although I certainly would like to explore these shipwrecks, and I'd REALLY like to see that odd rock formation more closely - because, to indigenous people such as these savages, such a formation must surely hold religous significance - I believe that we should head to the lighthouse first. It will likely take some time to call a ship to our aid, even with the lighthouse working for us, so there will likely be plenty of time for other things after we get there and secure the location. Does anyone disagree?
"Agreed, we should seek out the lighthouse first, and finish off that tribe of devil worshiping savages before they can regroup."
Chi offers to learn a spell that would be useful to move things a bit quicker, "I can summon a pony or small horse to help for a few hours, but it will mean I don't have so many spells for the lighthouse?" Chi speaks to her cat, then strokes him as he stretches out after a night curled up in Chi's clothes.
Marcus takes to his training with gusto despite his tiredness, laughing and joking, he seems on a high after the events of the day having never expected everyone to make it through in one piece. Sparring with Ishorou brings on an avalanche of minor aches that even the marvellous curative abilities of his allies could not quite cure but he manages to learn and integrate several Tiani sword forms into his technique.
As evening falls he his more quiet, barely managing feeble protests at Sasha's teasing. It is not until she falls asleep head in his lap that he gently strokes her silken hair, watching over her and the rest of the sleeping castaways as the rain continues to fall.
You were lucky today. You need to be stronger, faster, smarter. Its your job to protect these people. He marvels at that for a while, it seems a lifetime since he last had a purpose. Until finally sleep claims him as well.
In the morning he wakes early, bathing in the sea and doing his best to shave in the cold water. He seems very focused, agreeing enthusiastically with the plan to finish the cannibals and secure the lighthouse. The leader is the biggest threat. I will try and hold his attention. He then asks Ambroze to repeat some infernal phrases that may be useful for that purpose.
Chi talks to the ginger cat, as she scratches his ears as the cat purrs. The cat looks up at Chi and she feels the magic sweep over her as her mind becomes full of spells. She smiles, there seem to be more spells in her head than yesterday. She takes hold of the wand and waves her hands over the wand, trying to identify the magics therein. Placing the cat on the ground, she carefully studies the magical item.
Having spent time with the wand, Chi looks up, "Marcus, I have a spell that provides us with a bit of cover, unless I can sneak close enough to cast it over the lookout platform on the lighthouse, to hide our advance. We'll have to see how it pans out on the way and when we get there."
Chi. Yes lets see. Of us all your best suited to scouting our their traps and defences. But they'll be wary and I don't want you to take any unecessary risks.
Jask, Sasha did you see enough to provide an outline of the camp set-up? Aside from the savages themselves did you see any other creatures?
I'm afraid not Marcus... Sasha says softly. They kept Jask beaten, and I was kept in the dark most of the time...
The group packs up and travels along the coastline, seeking to link back up to the path once they have passed the bridge. Passing by the three shipwrecks en route and linking back up to the broken bridge, you escort the NPC's as far as the crossroads- this is as far as you have been on this path and the other castaways are confident in their ability to get back to camp from here. Its about 9AM when you part ways, and head west along the trail towards the cannibal village.
Although you note the telltale webs and animal corpses that indicates another giant spider dwells along this trail, it is obviously engaged elsewhere (marked on map for you) at present and does not bother you. Proceeding along the trail, Tun'ada and Chi find and safely disable three snare traps from a distance; having little trouble spotting the now familiar snares.
Passing a junction in the game trails, and following alongside a river, you get to within about a quarter of a mile of the village (1000 feet or so) and stop to make plans and get a good look, aware the midday heat is approaching... From here you can make out the lighthouse- not completely built and never used from what Ambroze can recall of the colony here. It sticks out like a beacon of hope- your best chance of escaping this island. The camp itself consists of several large wooden huts with palm-frond roofs arranged in a small clearing in the jungle in the shadow of the stone lighthouse. You spot a guard post ten feet above the ground on the north edge- providing an excellent view of the sea and the approach via the path.
Tun'ada can make out about eight or nine sets of tracks leading back into the camp in a crowd- it isn't a huge leap of logic to surmise that these are the survivor's tracks.
Marcus takes a swig from a flask of water.
Damn its getting hot. I guess we take the jungle route from here, maybe circle around and come in from the north and try and drop the sentries first? Chi do you think you could get in closer for a look without them spotting you?
At the mention of Chi venturing too far ahead, Gwen winces.
I'd feel much better if we just assumed a proper formation and waded right in... after all, if these people are smart, they won't WANT to fight us. I'm not sure they ARE smart, of course...
After seeing Gwen's concern about Chi's safety...
"Would it make you feel better if I were to go with her?"
Marcus takes a swig from a flask of water.
"I could go with Chi as well," Ambroze pipes up. "We small folk tend to be a bit harder to notice. And if I need to, I can cast a spell to make us vanish from sight for a few seconds."
Gwen smiles wanly, and gestures ahead.
By all means, be my guest. I merely hope that the three of you do not return with javelins protruding from your persons.
Tun'ada smiles and shakes his head and heads off after the dwarf.
Stealth:
Ambroze gives the others a wink before heading out behind Savarend and Tun'ada.
With the others moving ahead into the jungle, Marcus stays close to Gwen.
Chi, hand to her brow watches as 3 of the party go off to investigate, hearing Ambroze and Tun'ada's attempts at quietly walking through the undergrowth. She decides that with the three of them gone, it would be best to hang back and provide cover if they are discovered. She spends a few moments putting leaves in her hair and streaking her face with soil, before crouching down behind a bush. She readies her bow and looks on, hoping to be able to anticipate any trouble they may get into.
A good twenty minutes later, you carefully make your way through the forest. With Gwen, Marcus and Chi as the rearguard some 100 feet or so deeper into the forest and out of sight; Ambroze, Savarend and Tun'ada emerge on the south-eastern edge of the camp. Although Ambroze makes an impressive amount of noise for a Gnome of his agility and size, you don't think anyone is alerted to your presence. Heres a map of what you can see...
You can make out six skeletons standing silently in a pen of wood and bamboo (V9). The fence is ten feet high but you can see inside it; and if you weren't hidden in the trees the skeletons could spot you too. Occasionally the mindless bones pace back and forth, seemingly on sime kind of guard duty. To your west is a medium sized hut with a crude wooden door, currently shut.
"We should return and gather the others, I doubt that we will be able to take out these undead abominations quickly enough to not be completely over-run on our own."
...Ambroze makes an impressive amount of noise for a Gnome of his agility and size...
"Yes, let's get the others," Ambroze whispers back to his companions.